Apparatus for a hair wash sink basin neck pillow

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a sink adapter that includes a first side and a second side. The second side is shaped to couple to an edge of a hair wash sink basin. The apparatus includes a pillow. The pillow includes a foam cushion. The pillow includes a gel pack coupled to the foam cushion. The foam cushion and the gel pack are disposed inside the pillow. The apparatus includes an attachment. The attachment includes a first coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler is disposed on the first side of the sink adapter and the second coupler is disposed on the pillow. The first coupler couples to the second coupler. The gel pack is disposed between the second coupler and the foam cushion. The apparatus includes a removable cap disposed around the pillow.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/053,721, filed Sep. 22, 2014, entitled “Neck Pillowto be used in Beauty Salon during Hair Washing and Hair coloringprocess” for Michael Edward Amick, et al., which is incorporated hereinby reference.

FIELD

This invention relates to neck pillows and more particularly relates toan apparatus for a hair wash sink basin neck pillow.

BACKGROUND

During hair washing and hair coloring at a hair salon, a customer mayexperience discomfort from resting his or her neck on the edge of thehair salon's sink. Many health inspectors will not allow hair salons touse conventional neck rests on the edge of their sinks because the neckrests are not sanitary for a variety of reasons.

SUMMARY

An apparatus for a hair wash sink basin neck pillow is disclosed. Theapparatus includes a sink adapter. The sink adapter includes a firstside and a second side. The second side is shaped to couple to an edgeof a hair wash sink basin. The apparatus includes a pillow. The pillowincludes a foam cushion. The pillow includes a gel pack coupled to thefoam cushion. The foam cushion and the gel pack are disposed inside thepillow. The apparatus includes an attachment. The attachment includes afirst coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler is disposed on thefirst side of the sink adapter. The second coupler is disposed on thepillow. The first coupler couples to the second coupler. The gel pack isdisposed between the second coupler and the foam cushion. The apparatusincludes a removable cap disposed around the pillow.

In one embodiment, the sink adapter includes a flange disposed on thesecond side. The flange engages with an edge of the hair wash sinkbasin. In one embodiment, the first side of the sink adapter includes asurface wider than an edge of the hair wash sink basin where the sinkadapter is connected. In a further embodiment, the sink adapter includesone or more non-slip surfaces. In one embodiment, the sink adapterincludes a pliable material adaptable to an edge of the hair wash sinkbasin. In a further embodiment, the pliable material further comprises apolyurethane.

In one embodiment, the pillow includes a water resistant coveringdisposed around the foam cushion and the gel pack. In a furtherembodiment, the covering includes waterproof sealing. In one embodiment,the width of the pillow is sized to extend around the width of a neck ofa user. In a further embodiment, the height of the pillow is sized toextend less than the height of the neck of the user. In one embodiment,the neck pressing on the gel pack moves one or more portions of gel toone or more side portions of the gel pack. In a further embodiment, aportion of gel in a side portion of the gel pack pushes an adjacentportion of the foam cushion around the neck. In one embodiment, the foamcushion includes memory foam, low-resistance polyurethane foam,sorbothane, silicone, and/or neoprene.

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an adhesive that couples thefoam cushion to the gel pack. In one embodiment, the adhesive includesone or more pieces of two-sided tape. In one embodiment, the attachmentincludes one or more hook and loop fasteners. In a further embodiment,the attachment includes snaps and/or magnets.

In one embodiment, the removable cap extends around an edge of thepillow and substantially surrounds the pillow. In a further embodiment,the removable cap extends to an edge of the attachment. In oneembodiment, the removable cap includes an elastic material, a clearmaterial, a waterproof material, a polyethylene, and/or a disposablematerial. In a further embodiment, the removable cap includes a clearpolyethylene sheet with an elastic edge that gathers the removable caparound the pillow.

Another apparatus for a hair wash sink basin neck pillow is disclosed.The apparatus includes a sink adapter. The sink adapter includes a firstside and a second side. The second side is shaped to couple to an edgeof a hair wash sink basin. The second side includes a flange thatengages with an edge of the hair wash sink basin. The apparatus includesa pillow. The pillow includes a foam cushion that includes memory foam.The pillow includes a gel pack coupled to the foam cushion. The foamcushion and the gel pack are disposed inside the pillow. The pillowincludes an adhesive that couples the foam cushion to the gel pack. Thepillow includes a water resistant covering disposed around the foamcushion and the gel pack. The covering includes waterproof stitching.

The apparatus includes an attachment with a first coupler and a secondcoupler. The first coupler is disposed on the first side of the sinkadapter. The second coupler is disposed on the pillow. The first couplercouples to the second coupler. The gel pack is disposed between thesecond coupler and the foam cushion. The apparatus includes a removablecap disposed around the pillow. The removable cap substantiallysurrounds the pillow and extends to an edge of the attachment. Theremovable cap includes an elastic, waterproof, disposable, sheet with anelastic edge that gathers the removable cap around the pillow.

In one embodiment, the width of the pillow is sized to extend around awidth of the neck of a user. The height of the pillow is sized to extendless than the height of the neck of the user. The neck pressing on thegel pack moves one or more portions of gel to one or more side portionsof the gel pack. A portion of gel in a side portion of the gel packpushes an adjacent portions of the foam cushion around the neck.

An apparatus for a hair wash sink basin neck pillow is disclosed. Theapparatus includes a sink adapter. The sink adapter includes apolyurethane. The sink adapter includes a first side and a second side.The second side is shaped to couple to an edge of a hair wash sinkbasin. The second side includes a flange that engages with an edge ofthe hair wash sink basin.

The apparatus includes a pillow. The pillow includes a foam cushion thatincludes memory foam. The pillow includes a gel pack coupled to the foamcushion. The foam cushion and the gel pack are disposed inside thepillow. The neck of a user pressing on the gel pack moves one or moreportions of gel to one or more side portions of the gel pack. A portionof gel in a side portion of the gel pack pushes an adjacent portion ofthe foam cushion around the neck. The pillow includes an adhesiveincluding one or more pieces of two-sided tape. The one or more piecesof two-sided tape couple the foam cushion to the gel pack. The pillowincludes a water resistant covering disposed around the foam cushion andthe gel pack. The covering includes waterproof stitching.

The apparatus includes an attachment. The attachment includes a firstcoupler and a second coupler. The first coupler is disposed on the firstside of the sink adapter and the second coupler disposed on the pillow.The first coupler couples to the second coupler. The gel pack isdisposed between the second coupler and the foam cushion. The attachmentincludes one or more hook and loop fasteners.

The apparatus includes a removable cap disposed around the pillow thatextends around an edge of the pillow. The removable cap substantiallysurrounds the pillow. The removable cap extends to an edge of theattachment. The removable cap includes a clear, elastic, waterproof,disposable, polyethylene sheet with an elastic edge that gathers theremovable cap around the pillow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the invention brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsthat are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatusfor a hair wash sink basin neck pillow;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating one embodiment of anapparatus for a hair wash sink basin neck pillow;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a sinkadapter;

FIG. 3B is a section side view illustrating a further embodiment of asink adapter;

FIG. 3C is a cutaway section side view illustrating a further embodimentof a sink adapter;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a pillow;

FIG. 4B is a cutaway side view illustrating a further embodiment of apillow;

FIG. 5 is a cutaway side view illustrating one embodiment of anapparatus for a hair wash sink basin neck pillow;

FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view illustrating one embodiment ofan attachment;

FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view illustrating a second embodimentof an attachment;

FIG. 6C is an exploded perspective view illustrating a third embodimentof an attachment;

FIG. 6D is an exploded perspective view illustrating one embodiment ofmultiple attachments coupling to a sink adapter; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a removablecap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases“in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughoutthis specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the sameembodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unlessexpressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,”“having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of itemsdoes not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusiveand/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. Theterms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally setforth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order andlabeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method.Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent infunction, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, ofthe illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employedare provided to explain the logical steps of the method and areunderstood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrowtypes and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, theyare understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method.Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only thelogical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate awaiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumeratedsteps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which aparticular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order ofthe corresponding steps shown.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled inthe relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practicedwithout one or more of the specific features or advantages of aparticular embodiment. In other instances, additional features andadvantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not bepresent in all embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an apparatus 100 for a hair washsink basin neck pillow. In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 may includea sink adapter 102, a pillow 104 (shown inside a removable cap by dottedlines), an attachment 106 (shown between the pillow 104 and the sinkadapter 102 in dotted lines), and a removable cap 108, as describedbelow. In a further embodiment, the apparatus may couple, attach, mount,or the like to a hair wash sink basin, shown by dotted lines. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the hair wash sink basinmay include a dip, cavity, or the like in one or more sides of the hairwash sink basin. The dip, cavity, or the like may allow a user to placehis or her neck on an edge of the sink. In one embodiment, the hair washsink basin may not include a dip, cavity or the like. One or morecomponents of the apparatus 100 may couple to an edge of the hair washsink basin.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of an apparatus 200 for a hair washsink basin neck pillow. In one embodiment, the apparatus 200 may includea sink adapter 102, a pillow 104, an attachment 106, and a removable cap108. As illustrated in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the attachment 106 mayinclude a first coupler 202 and a second coupler 204. In a furtherembodiment, the sink adapter 102 may couple to the first coupler 202 ofthe attachment 106. For example, in one embodiment, sink adapter 102 mayinclude a first side 206 and a second side 208, the second side 208shaped to couple to an edge of the hair wash sink basin. The firstcoupler 202 may couple to the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102.

The first coupler 202 may couple to the first side 206 of the sinkadapter 102 in a variety of ways. For example, in one embodiment, thefirst coupler 202 may be sewn into the first side 206 of the sinkadapter 102. In a further embodiment, the first coupler 202 may be builtinto the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102. In one embodiment, thefirst coupler 202 may include an adhesive and the first coupler 202 mayadhere to the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102. For example,adhesives may include, without limitation, a glue, tape, paste, bonding,or any other adhesive.

In one embodiment, the first coupler 202 may couple to a second coupler204 of the attachment 106. Various embodiments of the first coupler 202and second coupler 204 of the attachment 106 are described below inrelation to FIGS. 6A-C.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the second coupler 204 ofthe attachment 106 may couple to the pillow 104. The second coupler 204may couple to the pillow 104 in a variety of ways. For example, in someembodiments, the pillow 104 may include one or more substantially flator planar sides, as shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the secondcoupler 204 may be sewn into the exterior of a planar side of the pillow104. In a further embodiment, the second coupler 204 may be built intothe exterior of the pillow 104. In one embodiment, the second coupler204 may include an adhesive and the second coupler 204 may adhere to theexterior of the pillow 104. For example, adhesives may include, withoutlimitation, a glue, tape, a paste, a bonding, or any other adhesive. Inone embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a foam cushion and a gel packcoupled to the foam cushion, the foam cushion and gel pack disposedinside the pillow 104, as described below in relation to FIGS. 4A-B. Inone embodiment, the gel pack may be disposed between the second coupler204 and the foam cushion.

In one embodiment, the removable cap 108 may be disposed around thepillow 104. Various embodiments of the disposable cap are describedbelow in relation to FIG. 7.

FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment of a sink adapter 102. In oneembodiment, the sink adapter 102 may include a first side 206 and asecond side 208. In a further embodiment, the second side 208 may beshaped to couple to an edge of a hair wash sink basin. In oneembodiment, the sink adapter 102 may include a thickness that mayelevate the pillow 104. The sink adapter 102 may provide padding orcushioning to a user while in use.

In one embodiment, the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102 mayinclude a surface 302 wider than an edge of the hair wash sink basinwhere the sink adapter 102 is connected. For example, in one embodiment,the edge of the sink basin from the edge disposed on the interior of thebasin to the edge disposed on the exterior of the basin may include awidth of 2 inches (approx. 5.08 cm). The first side 206 of the sinkadapter 102 may include a surface 302 with a width greater than 2inches. The width of the edge of the sink basin or the width of thesurface 302 of the first side 206 of the adapter is not limited to theseexample widths. One of skill in the art will recognize other ways inwhich the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102 may include a surface302 wider than an edge of the hair wash sink basin where the sinkadapter 102 is connected.

In one embodiment, the sink adapter 102 includes one or more non-slipsurfaces. The term “non-slip surface,” as used herein, may include anysurface that may prevent objects from sliding on the surface or mayreduce a tendency for objects sliding on the surface. For example, inone embodiment, the second side 208 of the sink adapter 102 may includea non-slip surface. The non-slip surface of the second side 208 of thesink adapter 102 may couple to the edge of the hair wash sink basin andhelp prevent the sink adapter 102 from sliding around on the edge of thehair was sink basin, sliding off the edge on the hair wash sink basin,or the like. In one embodiment, a non-slip surface of the sink adapter102 may facilitate a user in gripping the sink adapter 102. For example,the non-slip surface of the sink adapter 102 may aid a user in grippingthe sink adapter 102 during installation of the sink adapter 102 on theedge of the hair wash sink basin, during removal of the sink adapter 102from the hair wash sink basin, or the like. In one embodiment, the firstside 206 of the sink adapter 102 may include a non-slip surface. Thenon-slip surface may prevent the pillow 104, the removable cap 108, oranother component from slipping or moving in relation to the sinkadapter 102.

In one embodiment, the non-slip surface may be built into the sinkadapter 102 and/or the non-slip material may be a property of thematerial of the sink adapter 102. In another embodiment, the non-slipsurface may be added to the sink adapter 102. In one embodiment, thenon-slip surface may include a non-slip material. Examples of non-slipmaterial may include, without limitation, self-skinning polyurethane,vinyl foam, a cork material, a rubber material, a tacky material,silicone caulk, rubber cement, or the like. In one embodiment, thenon-slip surface may include one or more suction cups. The suction cupsmay couple a surface of the sink adapter 102 to an edge of the hair washsink basin.

In one embodiment, the sink adapter 102 may include a pliable materialadaptable to an edge of a hair wash sink basin. For example, in oneembodiment, the pliable material may include a polyurethane, forexample, a self-skinning polyurethane. In one embodiment, the pliablematerial may include a silicone. In other embodiments, the pliablematerial may include a foam. In one embodiment, the pliable material mayinclude a polyurethane foam. In one embodiment, the pliable material mayinclude a waterproof or water-resistant material. In a furtherembodiment, the pliable material may allow the sink adapter 102 to adaptto an edge of a hair wash sink basin. The sink adapter 102 may stretch,bend, or the like to conform to different sizes of hair wash sink basinedges.

FIG. 3B depicts a section side view (300 b of FIG. 3A) of one embodimentof a sink adapter 102. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, in some embodiments,the sink adapter 102 may include a curved shape for conforming to anedge of a hair wash sink basin. The curved shape may also providesupport and comfort to a user. The sink adapter 102 is not limited to acurved shape. In one embodiment, the sink adapter 102 may include asubstantially flat shape. The sink adapter 102 may conform to an edge ofhair wash sink basin that may be substantially flat.

In a further embodiment, a thickness of the first side 206 of the sinkadapter 102 may taper in one or more directions. For example, in oneembodiment, a center portion of the first side 206 may be thicker thanone or more side portions of the first side 206. A thicker centerportion of the first side 206 may include a substantially flattersurface where the pillow 104 couples to the sink adapter 102 or where auser's neck may rest. In one embodiment, the first side 206 may includea thickness that is uniform throughout the first side 206. In a furtherembodiment, a uniform thickness may provide support and/or cushioning toa user's neck. In one embodiment, one or more side portions of the firstside 206 may be thicker than a center portion of the first side 206. Ina further embodiment, the one or more side portions may cradle a user'sneck and/or hold it in place during use.

FIG. 3C depicts a second section side view (300 c of FIG. 3A) of anembodiment of a sink adapter 102. As shown in FIG. 3C, in someembodiments, the sink adapter 102 may include one or more protrusions304 that protrude away from the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102.The one or more protrusions 304 may fit over an edge of a hair wash sinkbasin. In one embodiment, the protrusion 304 may fit down sides of thehair wash sink basin and may grip the edge of the hair wash sink basinand hold the sink adapter 102 in place.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3C, the sink adapter 102 further mayinclude a flange 306 disposed on the second side 208 of the sink adapter102. The flange 306 may engage with an edge of a hair wash sink basin.For example, in one embodiment, the flange 306 may grip to the edge ofthe hair wash sink basin. In a further embodiment, the flange 306 maygrip underneath an edge of the hair wash sink basin. The flange 306 maylock the sink adapter 102 to the edge of the hair wash sink basin andprevent the sink adapter 102 from moving in relation to the hair washsink basin.

FIG. 4A depicts one embodiment of a pillow. The pillow 104 may includeone or more substantially flat portions 402. The one or more flatportions 402 may allow a user to rest his or her head, neck, or the likeon the pillow 104. The pillow 104 may include a pillow of any shape. Forexample, in some embodiments, the pillow 104 may include, withoutlimitation, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a circular shape, anoval shape, a tube shape, a spherical shape, or the like. In a furtherembodiment, the pillow 104 may include a “U” shape that may wrap arounda user's neck. In one embodiment, the pillow 104 may include anindentation. The indentation may include a shape fitted for a user'sneck. The pillow 104 may include an indentation of any size, depth,thickness, or the like.

In one embodiment, the pillow 104 may include different sizes. Forexample, in a further embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a widepillow. A wide pillow may be designed to accommodate a user with a largeneck. In another embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a tall pillow.The tall pillow may be designed to accommodate a user with a long neck.In one embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a uniform thickness. Theuniform thickness may conform to the shape of a foam cushion and/or gelpack, as discussed below in relation to FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4B depicts a further embodiment of a pillow. In one embodiment, thepillow 104 may include a foam cushion 404. In a further embodiment, thepillow 104 may include a gel pack 406 coupled to the foam cushion 404.In some embodiments, the foam cushion 404 and gel pack 406 may bedisposed inside the pillow 104. In certain embodiments, the gel pack 406may be disposed between the foam cushion 404 and the attachment 106 (theattachment 106, in some embodiments, being disposed on the exterior ofthe pillow 104).

In one embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a foam cushion 404. Thefoam cushion 404 may include a cushion of any size or shape. Forexample, in one embodiment, the foam cushion 404 may include a shapesubstantially the same as the pillow 104. In a further embodiment, thefoam cushion 404 may substantially fill the volume of the pillow 104. Inone embodiment, the foam cushion 404 may fill a portion of the volume ofthe pillow 104. The foam cushion 404 may be any thickness, density, orthe like.

In a further embodiment, the pillow may include a gel pack 406. The gelof the gel pack may be any gel. For example, in some embodiments, thegel may include, without limitation, a hydrogel, an organogel, axerogel, a combination of different types of gel, or the like. In oneembodiment, the gel may include a solid, jelly-like material. In anotherembodiment, the gel may include a liquid. In a further embodiment, aliquid gel may include liquids with various viscosities. In oneembodiment, the gel may include a gel that can be cooled or heated. Acooled or heated gel pack may cool or warm one or more components of thepillow 104 or the user's neck and provide added comfort to the user.

In one embodiment, the gel pack 406 may include a cover. The cover mayinclude any material that may contain the gel inside the gel pack 406.For example, the cover may include a plastic, a rubber, or the like. Thecover may include a pliable and/or stretchable material. In oneembodiment, the cover may include a pliable but non-stretchablematerial. In some embodiments, the gel pack 406 may include a sizeand/or shape substantially similar to the foam cushion 404. In anotherembodiment, the gel pack 406 may include a size and/or shape differentfrom the foam cushion 404.

In one embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a covering 408 disposedaround the foam cushion 404 and the gel pack 406. For example, in afurther embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a water resistantcovering 408 disposed around the foam cushion 404 and the gel pack 406.In some embodiments, the covering 408 may include a waterproof sealing410. The waterproof sealing 410 may seal the covering 408 closed aroundthe foam cushion 404 and the gel pack 406. In one embodiment, the waterresistant covering 408 may include vinyl, leather, rubber, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyurethane, or the like. In one embodiment, thecovering 408 may include a different material disposed inside of thecovering 408 than the material disposed on the outside of the covering408. In one embodiment, the different material disposed inside thecovering 408 may prevent the foam cushion 404 or the gel pack 406 fromshifting inside the pillow 104. For example, in one embodiment, thedifferent material disposed inside the covering 408 may include a softcloth. The soft cloth may give the covering 408 a soft feel.

In one embodiment, the covering 408 may include a material formed aroundthe foam cushion 404 and the gel pack 406. For example, in oneembodiment, the material formed around the foam cushion 404 and the gelpack 406 may include a rubber cement applied around the foam cushion 404and the gel pack 406. In another embodiment, the material may include arubber applied around the foam cushion 404 and the gel pack 406 to forma pillow 104. In another embodiment, the material may be any waterresistant or waterproof material that can be applied around the foamcushion 404 and the gel pack 406 to protect the foam cushion 404 and gelpack 406 from moisture.

In one embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a waterproof sealing 410.For example, in one embodiment, the waterproof sealing 410 may includewaterproof stitching. In one embodiment, waterproof stitching mayinclude anti-wick thread with a wax coating. The wax coating may preventwater or other liquids from entering holes created by the stitching. Inone embodiment, the waterproof stitching may include nylon thread. Inanother embodiment, the waterproof stitching may include stitching witha seam sealer applied over the stitching. For example, the seam sealermay include polyurethane, urethane, a vinyl cement, or some othercompound capable of waterproofing threads or stitching.

In one embodiment, the waterproof sealing 410 may include a heat seal.For example, a heat seal may include using heat and pressure to fusetogether one or more edges of the covering 408. In one embodiment, thewaterproof sealing 410 may include a waterproof adhesive. In a furtherembodiment, for example, the waterproof adhesive may include a siliconesealant, a polyurethane glue, a waterproof tape, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, a width of the pillow 104 may besized to extend around a width of a neck 502 of a user. For example, inone embodiment, a pillow 104 may include a width that may support andextend around a person's neck. In some embodiments, different pillows104 may include different widths to accommodate different users ordifferent sizes of sinks. In a further embodiment, a height of thepillow 104 may be sized to extend less than a height of the neck 502 ofthe user. In a further embodiment, the neck 502 pressing on the gel pack406 may move one or more portions of gel to one or more side portions ofthe gel pack 406. In one embodiment, a portion of gel in a side portionof the gel pack 406 may push an adjacent portion of the foam cushion 404around the neck 502.

For example, in one embodiment, a user may place his or her neck 502 onthe pillow 104 (or, in some embodiments, on the removable cap 108disposed around the pillow 104). The user's neck 502 may press on aportion of the pillow 104. In one embodiment, the user's neck 502pressing on a portion of the pillow 104 may include pressing on aportion of the foam cushion 404, as shown by the dotted arrow 504 inFIG. 5. The portion of the foam cushion 404 under pressure from theuser's neck 502 may press on one or more portions of the gel pack 406disposed under the portion of the foam cushion 404. In a furtherembodiment, one or more portions of the gel in the gel pack 406 may moveto one or more sides of the gel pack 406, as shown by the dotted arrows506.

In one embodiment, a portion of gel in a side portion of the gel pack406 may push on an adjacent portion of the foam cushion 404. Forexample, in one embodiment, as shown by the dotted arrows 508 in FIG. 5,a portion of gel may push up on a portion of the foam cushion 404 abovethe portion of gel. In one embodiment, the portion of gel may push on aportion of the foam cushion 404 disposed to the side of the portion ofthe gel.

In some embodiments, the gel in the gel pack 406 may include differentviscosities. A high viscosity may indicate a high resistance todeformation while a low viscosity may indicate a low resistance todeformation. Different viscosities may affect the behavior of one ormore components of the pillow 104. For example, in one embodiment, thegel in the gel pack 406 may include a high viscosity. The gel pack 406may respond more slowly to pressure from the user's neck 502 and thefoam cushion 404 and may push on a portion of the foam cushion 404 moreslowly than a gel pack 406 with a gel with lower viscosity. In oneembodiment, a gel with a high viscosity may give the pillow 104 a firmerfeel. In one embodiment, a gel with a low viscosity may allow a user toform the pillow 104 into a comfortable shape. One of skill in the artwill recognize other properties that high, low, and other viscosity gelsmay have.

In one embodiment, the adjacent portion of the foam cushion 404 may movearound a portion of the user's neck 502. The foam cushion 404 around aportion of the user's neck 502 may provide comfort to the user bysupporting a greater area of the user's neck 502. The foam cushion 404around a portion of the user's neck 502 may relieve pressure on portionsof the user's neck 502. In one embodiment, the foam cushion 404 around aportion of the user's neck 502 may reduce the amount of effort requiredby the user to stabilize his or her neck 502 during use.

In one embodiment, the gel pack 406 may be disposed on top of the foamcushion 404. The gel pack 406 on top of the foam cushion 404, in someembodiments, may allow the gel pack 406 to receive and store heat in thegel. In one embodiment, the gel pack 406 may transfer heat to a neck 502of a user. In a further embodiment, the gel pack 406 disposed on top ofthe foam cushion 404 may provide a different feel to a user than thefoam cushion 404 disposed on top of the gel pack 406.

Returning to FIG. 4B, in one embodiment, the foam cushion 404 mayinclude memory foam. In a further embodiment, the foam cushion 404 mayinclude low-resistance polyurethane foam. In another embodiment, thefoam cushion 404 may include sorbothane, silicone, or neoprene. In oneembodiment, the foam cushion 404 may include a rectangular shape, asquare shape, an oval shape, a circle shape, or any other shape that maybe disposed inside and fit inside the pillow 104. In one embodiment, thefoam cushion 404 may include a shape different from the shape of thepillow 104.

In one embodiment, the gel pack 406 may include a volume substantiallythe same as the foam cushion 404. In another embodiment, the gel pack406 may include a volume smaller than the foam cushion 404 or largerthan the foam cushion 404. In certain embodiments, the gel pack 406 mayinclude a width or a height substantially the same as the foam cushion404.

In one embodiment, an adhesive 412 may couple the foam cushion 404 tothe gel pack 406. The adhesive 412 may be disposed between the foamcushion 404 and the gel pack 406. The adhesive 412 may couple the foamcushion 404 to the gel pack 406 in a variety of ways. For example, inone embodiment, the adhesive 412 may include one or more pieces oftwo-sided tape. In another embodiment, the adhesive 412 may includestitching or sewing the foam cushion 404 to the gel pack 406. In oneembodiment, the adhesive 412 may include a glue, paste, bonding, or anyother adhesive.

FIGS. 6A-C depict various embodiments of an attachment. In someembodiments, the attachment 106 may include a first coupler 202 and asecond coupler 204. The first coupler 202 may be disposed on the firstside 206 of the sink adapter 102 and the second coupler 204 may bedisposed on the pillow 104. The first coupler 202 may couple to thesecond coupler 204. The attachment 106 may allow the pillow 104 todecouple from the sink adapter 102. In one embodiment, a user maydecouple the pillow 104 from the sink adapter 102 to clean the pillow104 or the sink adapter 102. A user may decouple the pillow 104 from thesink adapter 102 to place a removable cap 108 on the pillow 104 orremove a removable cap 108 from the pillow 104. In one embodiment, auser may decouple the pillow 104 from the sink adapter 102 and couple adifferent pillow 104 to the sink adapter. The different pillow 104 mayinclude a pillow 104 of a different size or thickness or a pillow 104that may include one or more hypo-allergenic materials.

FIG. 6A depicts one example of an embodiment of an attachment 106. Inone embodiment, the attachment 106 may include one or more hook and loopfasteners. In one embodiment, the one or more hooks 602 may be disposedon the first coupler 202 and the one or more loops 604 may be disposedon the second coupler 204. In another embodiment, the one or more hooks602 may be disposed on the second coupler 204 and the one or more loops604 may be disposed on the second coupler 204. The first coupler 202 orsecond coupler 204 may include any number of hooks 602 or loops 604 andthe one or more hooks 602 and the one or more loops 604 may be of anysize that may couple the first coupler 202 to the second coupler 204.

FIG. 6B depicts one embodiment of an attachment. The attachment 106 mayinclude a first coupler 202 and a second coupler 204. In one embodiment,the attachment 106 may include one or more snap fasteners. In a furtherembodiment, the snap fastener may include a snap protrusion 606 and asnap receiver 608. In one embodiment, a snap protrusion 606 may includea base coupled to a first coupler 202 or a second coupler 204. The baseof the snap protrusion may connect to a protrusion sized to couple witha snap receiver 608. In a further embodiment, a snap receiver 608 mayinclude a base coupled to a first coupler 202 or a second coupler 204.The base of the snap receiver 608 may include a channel sized to receivea protrusion of a snap protrusion 606. For example, in one embodiment,the one or more snap protrusions 606 may be disposed on the firstcoupler 202 and the one or more snap receivers 608 may be disposed onthe second coupler 204. In another embodiment, the one or more snapprotrusions 606 may be disposed on the second coupler 204 and the one ormore snap receivers 608 may be disposed on the first coupler 202.

In one embodiment, the one or more snap fasteners may include any numberof snap fasteners. The one or more snap fasteners may include snapfasteners of any size. In one embodiment, the one or more snap fastenersmay include snap fasteners of different sizes.

FIG. 6C depicts one embodiment of an attachment. The attachment 106 mayinclude, in some embodiments, a first coupler 202 and a second coupler204. In one embodiment, the attachment 106 may include one or moremagnets 610. A magnet 610 may include a permanent magnet. As usedherein, the term “permanent magnet” includes a magnet that is magnetizedand creates a persistent magnetic field. In further embodiments, amagnet may include a neodymium magnet (“neo magnet”). A magnet mayinclude a north pole and a south pole. Opposite poles (i.e. north andsouth) may attract each other while similar poles (i.e. north and north,or, south and south) may repel each other.

The one or more magnets 610 may couple to the first coupler 202 and thesecond coupler 204. The one or more magnets 610 may be oriented suchthat a magnet 610 on the first coupler 202 attracts a correspondingmagnet 610 on the second coupler 204. For example, in one embodiment, amagnet 610 coupled to the first couple may include a north pole facedtoward the south pole of a magnet 610 disposed on the second coupler204. In another example embodiment, a magnet 610 coupled to the firstcouple may include a south pole faced toward the north pole of a magnet610 disposed on the second coupler 204. In some embodiments, the one ormore magnets 610 of the of the first coupler 202 may be oriented withthe same poles facing the same direction (e.g. the north poles of all ofthe one or more magnets 610 face second coupler 204) and the one or moremagnets 610 of the second coupler 204 may be oriented with the samepoles facing the same direction (e.g. the south poles of all of the oneor more magnets 610 face the first coupler 202). In another embodiment,one or more magnets 610 may oriented in one direction and the other oneor more magnets 610 may be oriented in the other direction.

In one embodiment, the attachment 106 is not limited to the attachments106 described above. One of skill in the art will recognize other waysan attachment 106 may couple the sink adapter 102 to the pillow 104.Furthermore, in some embodiments, multiple attachments 106 may couplethe sink adapter 102 to the pillow 104, as described below. In oneembodiment, all of the multiple attachments 106 may include the sametype of attachment 106. In another embodiment, the multiple attachments106 may include different types of attachments 106. In a furtherembodiment, an attachment 106 may allow a user to adjust the position ofthe pillow 104 in relation to the sink adapter 102. For example, in oneembodiment, a portion of the first coupler 202 may couple to a portionof the second coupler 204. In a further embodiment, the portion of thefirst coupler 202 may couple at various angles. In another embodiment,the portion of the first coupler 202 may couple to various positions onthe second coupler 204. In one embodiment, the portion of the firstcoupler 202 may couple at various orientations, for example, rotatedfrom the positions depicted in FIGS. 6A-C. In some embodiments, allowinga user to adjust the position of the pillow 104 in relation to the sinkadapter 102 may allow the pillow 104 to accommodate different sizes,shapes, or the like of necks, heads, or the like of different users andprovide more comfort to the users.

In some embodiments, multiple attachments 106 may couple the sinkadapter 102 to the pillow 104. The multiple attachments 106 may eachinclude a first coupler 202 and a second coupler 204. Each first coupler202 may couple to one or more locations on the first side 206 of thesink adapter 102. Each first coupler 202 may couple to a correspondingsecond coupler 204. Each second coupler 204 may couple to the exteriorof the pillow 104. In one embodiment, the multiple attachments 106coupling the pillow 104 to the sink adapter may secure the pillow 104 tothe sink adapter 102 more than an embodiment with one attachment 106.

FIG. 6D depicts one example of an embodiment of a sink adapter coupledto multiple attachments. In one embodiment, a first coupler 202 a maycouple to a location distal from a center portion of the first side 206of the sink adapter 102 and another first coupler 202 b may couple toanother location distal from the center portion of the first side 206and on the opposite side of the center portion from the first coupler202 a. The multiple first couplers 202 a, 202 b may couple to anylocations on the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102. For example, inone embodiment, the first coupler 202 a may couple to a first end of thefirst side 206 of the sink adapter 102 and the first coupler 202 b maycouple to a second end of the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102,the first and second ends of the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102being disposed on opposite sides horizontally of the first side 206.

In some embodiments, three or more first couplers 202 may couple to thefirst side 206 of the sink adapter 102. One of skill in the art willrecognize other locations that one or more first couplers 202 may coupleto on the sink adapter 102.

In one embodiment, the one or more first couplers 202 may couple to oneor more second couplers 204. For example, as depicted in FIG. 6D, in oneembodiment, a second coupler 204 a may couple to the first coupler 202 aand a second coupler 204 b may couple to the first coupler 202 b. Theone or more second couplers 204 a, 204 b may couple to the pillow 104.In one embodiment, the one or more first couplers 202 a, 202 b maycouple to the sink adapter 102.

FIG. 7 depicts one embodiment of a removable cap. In one embodiment, theremovable cap 108 may be disposed around the pillow 104. In oneembodiment, the removable cap 108 may fit tightly around the pillow 104.In another embodiment, the removable cap 108 may fit loosely around thepillow 104. In some embodiments, the removable cap 108 may protect thepillow 104 from chemicals used to wash or color hair. The removable cap108 may provide a sanitary surface where a user can place his or herneck, head, or the like.

In one embodiment, the removable cap 108 may extend around an edge ofthe pillow 104 and may substantially surround the pillow 104. As usedherein, the term “substantially surround” may include surrounding morethan half of the surface area of the pillow 104. For example, in oneembodiment, an edge 702 of an opening 704 of the removable cap 108 mayextend over an edge of a flat portion 402 of the pillow 104 and cover aportion of a flat portion 402 on the opposite side of the pillow 104.The removable cap 108 may extend to a variety of locations on the pillow104. For example, in one embodiment, the removable cap 108 may extend toan edge of the attachment 106. As shown in FIG. 7, in one embodiment,the edge 702 of the opening 704 of the removable cap 108 may extend toan edge of the attachment 106. The opening 704 of the removable cap 108may be sized or shaped to extend to the edge of the attachment 106. Theedge 702 of an opening 704 the removable cap 108 extending to the edgeof the attachment 106 may allow the removable cap 108 to provide asanitary location for a user to place his or her head, neck, or the likeand may allow the removable cap 108 to protect the underside and otherareas of the pillow 104 from chemicals in hair products, splashingwater, or the like.

In one embodiment, the removable cap 108 may include an elasticmaterial. In a further embodiment, the removable cap 108 may include aclear material. A clear material may allow a user to inspect the pillow104 while the removable cap 108 is disposed around the pillow 104. Inanother embodiment, the removable cap 108 may include an opaquematerial. The opaque material may include a color or a pattern disposedon the removable cap 108. In one embodiment, the removable cap 108 mayinclude a waterproof material. A waterproof material may protect thepillow 104 from water or chemicals in the water splashing on the pillow104.

In a further embodiment, the removable cap 108 may include apolyethylene. In a further embodiment, the removable cap 108 may includea disposable material. A disposable material may allow a user to quicklyremove and replace a removable cap 108. A disposable material may alsobe more economical. In another embodiment, the removable cap 108 mayinclude a washable material. The washable material may be cleaned withsoap, one or more chemicals, or the like. The washable material mayallow a user to reuse the removable cap 108 and produce less waste. Inone embodiment, the removable cap 108 may include a clear polyethylenesheet with an elastic edge that gathers the removable cap 108 around thepillow 104.

In one embodiment, the removable cap 108 may include a single opening.The opening may be positioned or sized on the removable cap 108 to allowthe opening to extend to an edge of the attachment 106. In oneembodiment, the opening may be positioned or sized on the removable cap108 to allow the opening to extend to an edge of multiple attachments106. The multiple attachments 106 may be positioned at various locationson the pillow 104. In one embodiment, the removable cap 108 may includemultiple openings. The multiple openings may be positioned or sized onthe removable cap 108 to allow the multiple openings to extend to theedges of multiple attachments 106. The multiple attachments 106 may bepositioned at various locations on the pillow 104.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a sink adaptercomprising a first side and a second side, the second side shaped tocouple to an edge of a hair wash sink basin; a pillow comprising: a foamcushion; and a gel pack coupled to the foam cushion, the foam cushionand the gel pack disposed inside the pillow; an attachment comprising afirst coupler and a second coupler, the first coupler disposed on thefirst side of the sink adapter and the second coupler disposed on thepillow, the first coupler coupling to the second coupler, the gel packdisposed between the second coupler and the foam cushion; and aremovable cap disposed around the pillow.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the sink adapter further comprises a flange disposed on thesecond side and the flange engages with an edge of the hair wash sinkbasin.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first side of the sinkadapter comprises a surface wider than an edge of the hair wash sinkbasin where the sink adapter is connected.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the sink adapter comprises one or more non-slip surfaces.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the sink adapter further comprises apliable material adaptable to an edge of the hair wash sink basin. 6.The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the pliable material further comprisesa polyurethane.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pillow furthercomprises a water resistant covering disposed around the foam cushionand the gel pack, the water resistant covering further comprisingwaterproof sealing.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a width of thepillow is sized to extend around a width of a neck of a user, a heightof the pillow is sized to extend less than a height of the neck of theuser, and the neck pressing on the gel pack moves one or more portionsof gel to one or more side portions of the gel pack, wherein a portionof gel in a side portion of the gel pack pushes an adjacent portion ofthe foam cushion around the neck.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe foam cushion further comprises one or more of memory foam,low-resistance polyurethane foam, sorbothane, silicone, and neoprene.10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive, whereinthe adhesive couples the foam cushion to the gel pack.
 11. The apparatusof claim 10, wherein the adhesive further comprises one or more piecesof two-sided tape.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachmentfurther comprises one or more hook and loop fasteners.
 13. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the attachment further comprises one or more of oneor more snaps and one or more magnets.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the removable cap extends around an edge of the pillow andsubstantially surrounds the pillow.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14,wherein the removable cap extends to an edge of the attachment.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable cap further comprises one ormore of an elastic material, a clear material, a waterproof material, apolyethylene, and a disposable material.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16,wherein the removable cap further comprises a clear polyethylene sheetwith an elastic edge that gathers the removable cap around the pillow.18. An apparatus comprising: a sink adapter comprising a first side anda second side, the second side shaped to couple to an edge of a hairwash sink basin, the second side comprising a flange that engages withan edge of the hair wash sink basin; a pillow comprising: a foam cushioncomprising memory foam; a gel pack coupled to the foam cushion, the foamcushion and the gel pack disposed inside the pillow; an adhesive thatcouples the foam cushion to the gel pack; and a water resistant coveringdisposed around the foam cushion and the gel pack, the water resistantcovering further comprising waterproof stitching; an attachmentcomprising a first coupler and a second coupler, the first couplerdisposed on the first side of the sink adapter and the second couplerdisposed on the pillow, the first coupler coupling to the secondcoupler, the gel pack disposed between the second coupler and the foamcushion; and a removable cap disposed around the pillow thatsubstantially surrounds the pillow and extends to an edge of theattachment, the removable cap comprising an elastic, waterproof,disposable, sheet with an elastic edge that gathers the removable caparound the pillow.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein a width of thepillow is sized to extend around a width of a neck of a user, a heightof the pillow is sized to extend less than a height of the neck of theuser, and the neck pressing on the gel pack moves one or more portionsof gel to one or more side portions of the gel pack, wherein a portionof gel in a side portion of the gel pack pushes an adjacent portions ofthe foam cushion around the neck.
 20. An apparatus comprising: a sinkadapter comprising polyurethane, a first side and a second side, thesecond side shaped to couple to an edge of a hair wash sink basin, thesecond side comprising a flange that engages with an edge of the hairwash sink basin; a pillow comprising: a foam cushion comprising memoryfoam; a gel pack coupled to the foam cushion, the foam cushion and thegel pack disposed inside the pillow, wherein a neck of a user pressingon the gel pack moves one or more portions of gel to one or more sideportions of the gel pack, wherein a portion of gel in a side portion ofthe gel pack pushes an adjacent portion of the foam cushion around theneck; an adhesive comprising one or more pieces of two-sided tape thatcouples the foam cushion to the gel pack; and a water resistant coveringdisposed around the foam cushion and the gel pack, the water resistantcovering further comprising waterproof stitching; an attachmentcomprising a first coupler and a second coupler, the first couplerdisposed on the first side of the sink adapter and the second couplerdisposed on the pillow, the first coupler coupling to the secondcoupler, the gel pack disposed between the second coupler and the foamcushion, the attachment comprising one or more hook and loop fasteners;and a removable cap disposed around the pillow that extends around anedge of the pillow, substantially surrounds the pillow, and extends toan edge of the attachment, the removable cap comprising a clear,elastic, waterproof, disposable, polyethylene sheet with an elastic edgethat gathers the removable cap around the pillow.